How to Vote

Can you vote? ... not everyone can ...

To vote in local elections you have to be 16 or over and be

  • a British
  • Irish citizen 
  • A qualifying Commonwealth citizen or qualifying foreign national (i.e. you have leave to enter or remain in the UK or don’t require leave to enter or to remain in the UK) permanently living in the UK

Poll Cards

If your name is on the register of electors and you are aged 16 or over, you will, unless you are further included in the absent voters list, get a poll card around 15th/16th March. This will tell you where your Polling Station is and when it is open. The card is for information only. Don't worry if you lose it or forget it - you can still vote without it. It just makes it easier if you take it to the Polling Station and show it to the clerk.

If you don't receive a poll card, this could mean that you are registered at an old address or are not included on the register and you should call the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) on 01382 434444.

Voting in Person

To vote in person you should go to the Polling Station listed on your Polling Card and the Clerk will give you a ballot paper.

Voting by Post

If you want to, you can apply for a postal vote. This is a simple procedure. Your Ballot Paper will then be sent to you by post, prior to the elections. Complete the paper and return it as directed. You will also be sent a postal voter poll card confirming that you have a postal vote nearer this time.

Please apply for a postal vote as soon as possible. The last day for receipt of applications by the ERO for the election is Tuesday 19th April 2022.

You can dowload the application scan and email to ero@dundeecity.gov.uk or post or hand deliver to 21 City Square, Dundee, DD1 3BY or call 01382 434444 for an application to be sent out to you.

Voting by Proxy

Go to the "How to Register" page for information. If granted, this means that you can have someone you trust cast your vote for you, either in person at the polling station, or if they have applied to be your Postal Proxy, by post. Because of concerns over the possibility of fraudulent applications, it is not as simple to apply for a proxy vote.

The last day to appoint a proxy in time for the election on 5th May is Tuesday, 26th April. Forms need to be with the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm.

Voting System

The Election is being held using the STV (single transferable vote) system. This means that instead of placing a cross on the ballot paper you rank candidates in order of your preference. Place a '1' against your first choice, '2' against your second choice etc. You can make as many or as few choices as you wish.

You can find a full detailed description of an STV count.

Contact Details

If you have any questions on whether you are registered to vote, postal votes or proxy votes, please contact the Electoral Registration Officer on 01382 434444.